First ‘Bozz Awards’ winners named

Celebrating the next generation of Bossings (from left): Boss for Customer Service Chino Atilano of Timefree Innovations, Boss for Social Media Jason Magbanua of Jason Magbanua, Mobkard Chair of the Board Jay Bernardo representing Boss for Mobile Readiness Carlo Calimon of Mobkard, Boss for E-Commerce Kim Lato of Kimstore, President and CEO of PLDT Group Manuel V. Pangilinan, Boss for Social Responsibility Kristine Reyes-Lopez of Messy Bessy, Rappler CEO Maria Ressa, EVP and Head of PLDT Enterprise Eric Alberto, and FVP and Head of PLDT Smart SME Nation Kat Luna-Abelarde

After going through entries and filtering the new generation of small to medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) who harness digital tools to grow their business, PLDT Smart SME Nation finally announced the first batch of winners for the first-ever Bozz Awards.

Bozz Awards is a digital search for the most creative, most innovative and most successful new breed of SMEs. It recognizes SMEs who have displayed excellence in technological innovation and digital integration. Ultimately, it aims to highlight the crucial role of digital technology in supporting the growth and sustainability of small businesses in the country.

“We’re ecstatic at the enthusiastic reception we got from the SME and digital communities,” FVP and PLDT Smart SME Nation Head Kat Luna-Abelarde said. “We exceeded our expected number of nominations by almost 150 percent and we’ve seen some really inspiring stories of digitally powered business success. Digital truly is the future, and this is a resounding testament to that.”

From hundreds of nominees, the list was down to the top 15, with three nominees for each of the five categories—Boss for Mobile Readiness, Boss for E-commerce, Boss for Social Responsibility, Boss for Social Media and Boss for Customer Service.

Kenneth Cobonpue designed the Bozz trophy, depicting a man calling using a tin can

MobKard’s Carlo Calimon emerged as the winner of The Boss for Mobile Readiness award for making his service, mobile application, accessible anytime or anywhere.

The Boss for E-commerce successfully maximizes the Internet as the world’s largest marketplace and online tech and gadget shopping store Kimstore’s Kim Lato proved to be the one who best exemplifies this.

Messy Bessy Inc.’s Kristine Reyes-Lopez, the brain behind biodegradable, non-toxic and all-natural cleaning and personal care products, effectively harnesses the power of technology for her notable cause, earning her “The Boss for Social Responsibility” award.

The Boss for Social Media utilizes social media platforms to create meaningful connections with customers and grow an online community of brand advocates which is what renowned wedding videographer Jason Magbanua has been doing for the past decade.

Finally, The Boss for Customer Service award went to virtual queuing solutions company TimeFree Innovations’ founder Chino Atilano who uses digital platforms to provide better service and improve business processes.

Ely Buendia (right) caps the award night off with a nostalgic performance

The five winners each received a full-powered Smart Enterprise Biz Kit which consists of business-enhancing tools and gadgets, including year-long data subscription, to help keep them always connected to their customers and updated with their operations, even while on the go.

As an added treat, the winners and the other 10 finalists will have an exclusive tour of Silicon Valley, the world’s melting pot of technology.